KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. — A man was arrested Sunday following a high-speed pursuit through Kanawha County that ended with a crash on Interstate 77, according to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies attempted to stop a GMC vehicle after it allegedly ran a red light near the Interstate 77 exit ramp and Route 94.
Authorities said the driver initially pulled over but refused commands from deputies before driving away, leading law enforcement on a pursuit through the county.
Investigators identified the driver as Justin Richard Connard. During the chase, deputies said Connard drove into opposing lanes of traffic multiple times, struck a sheriff’s office vehicle and reached speeds exceeding 120 mph on Interstate 77.
The pursuit came to an end near the Kanawha City exit when the vehicle reportedly crashed into a guardrail after the driver lost control.
Deputies, assisted by the West Virginia State Police, took Connard into custody without further incident.
According to investigators, Connard allegedly discarded a bag containing suspected controlled substances from an overpass after exiting the vehicle. The suspected substances were recovered and submitted to the West Virginia State Police Laboratory for analysis.
Authorities also reported finding alcoholic beverages inside the vehicle and said Connard displayed signs of impairment.
Connard was charged with fleeing from a law enforcement officer in a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and fleeing from a law enforcement officer in a vehicle while showing reckless indifference to the safety of others.
An adult passenger was also inside the vehicle during the pursuit. Authorities said no charges are expected against the passenger.
